15 Documentaries on Sustainability & Ethical Fashion that Will Awaken the Naturalist in You
Whether you’re well into your ethical fashion journey, or you’re nurturing a budding interest in sustainability, documentaries are great resources for learning. Some of us here at Sustainable Baddie got started on our sustainability journeys after watching eye opening documentaries like The True Cost. Trade the rom-com for a documentary this week, and cuddle up with your partners or friends to watch humans learn from our beautiful Earth and fellow inhabitants. Grab your popcorn and check out this list of 10 documentaries on subjects relating to sustainable fashion and our beloved mother Earth.
1. ReDress the Future (2021)
Credit: Deadbeat Films
This mini docuseries explores innovations that are bringing down the status quo that perpetuates an unsustainable fashion industry. ReDress the Future calls out “trends” that maintain an endless cycle of consumerism and distinguishes people who are against unsustainable business models and manufacturing processes. The series challenges the norms of the current fashion industry model and proposes ideas for a more circular fashion industry. The miniseries is available for free on Waterbear!
2. Slowing Down Fast Fashion (2016)
Credit: IMDb
In Slowing Down Fast Fashion, Alex James, an English musician turned cheesemaker, looks at the fashion industry and its impact on the environment through a critical lense. The documentary discusses the unfortunate truth that we live in a “disposable clothes society.” James makes it his mission to discover why we are buying more clothes than ever before. Through discussions with designers, activists, and brands, James explores the environmental impacts of the fast fashion industry, as well as explores its alternatives. The film is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
3. SLAY (2022)
Credit: FirstSpark Media
SLAY is a documentary that follows writer and director Rebecca Cappelli, on a journey around the world to investigate the animal skins trade. This film decodes the science behind greenwashing and mislabeling, and exposes animal cruelty and cover-ups by major luxury fashion brands. SLAY provides an eye-opening look into the dominant methods of material sourcing in the fashion industry and their effects on people, animals, and the planet, while presenting viable and sustainable alternatives. The documentary is available for free on Waterbear!
Credit: RiverBlue
RiverBlue follows international river conservationist, Mark Angelo, on his mission to deconstruct the fashion industry’s status as one of the world’s most pollutive industries. The film documents how harsh chemical manufacturing processes and the disposal of toxic chemical waste have destroyed rivers and severely impacted the lives of those who depend on them. RiverBlue examines the destruction of the Earth's rivers, the effect this will have on humanity, and the hopeful solutions that inspire a sustainable future. RiverBlue is available to watch on Vimeo.
Credit: The True Cost / Fashion Revolution
The True Cost is a documentary film, directed by Andrew Morgan, that zooms in on the practices and effects of the fast fashion industry. The True Cost analyzes the dangerous conditions that low-wage workers are made to work in, the effects of river and soil pollution, pesticide contamination, the harmful health effects of exposure to production chemicals, and the connection between fast fashion, consumerism, and mass media. Through interviews with environmentalists, garment workers, factory owners, fair trade business owners, and sustainable clothing advocates, The True Cost educates its audience on the realities of fast fashion. You can watch the full documentary here.
6. The Biggest Little Farm (2018)
Credit: The Biggest Little Farm / VOX
The Biggest Little Farm, directed by John Chester, is a documentary film that follows the life of John and Molly Chester. In 2010, they decided to leave Los Angeles and purchase an abandoned farm. The couple acquired Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark, California with the goal of developing a sustainable farm of, at most, 10 acres. They spent the next seven years transforming the abandoned land into a fully functional farm and biodiverse habitat. Throughout their journey to revive the land, they were faced with the difficulties of keeping a farm running, but also felt the joy that comes with establishing a relationship with nature. Today The Biggest Little Farm spans over 200-acres! The film is available to watch on Hulu.
Credit: Steve Benjamin/Silverback Films
Our Planet is a nature documentary series, narrated by David Attenborough, that addresses issues of conservation while observing the difficulties that climate change is causing animals in their respective environments. Our Planet focuses on human impact on the environment and is centered around how climate change impacts all living creatures. The series showcases our planet’s natural wonders and unique species. Our Planet is available on Netflix.
8. My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Credit: Netflix
My Octopus Teacher is a 2020 documentary film, directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, that documents filmmaker Craig Foster’s blossoming relationship with an octopus in a South African kelp forest. In 2010, Craig Foster began documenting his experiences free-diving in a cold underwater kelp forest near Cape Town when he soon met a friendly octopus. The film follows the formation of Foster’s and the octopus's relationship for nearly a year. The octopus allows Foster into her world and teaches him life lessons about our time on Earth and human connection with nature. My Octopus Teacher is a tear jerker, and is available to watch on Netflix.
9. Fantastic Fungi (2019)
Credit: Fantastic Fungi / Louie Schwartzberg
Fantastic Fungi is a magical documentary film told through the time-lapsed journeys of mushrooms. The film explores the mysterious and medicinal world of fungi and their abilities to heal, sustain, and regenerate. From helping to clear oil spills to taking part in underground networks that help trees communicate, fungi are Earth’s subtle superheros and genuinely fun-guys! Fantastic Fungi is available to watch on Netflix.
Credit: NFB
The Magnitude of All Things, directed by Jennifer Abbott, is an essayistic documentary film about the process of grieving a dying earth; told through the reading of letters from Abbott's sister, who died of cancer. Abbott draws parallels between personal and environmental experiences of grief. The film asks us to be hopeful despite the hopelessness we might feel when it comes to the fight against climate change. Abbott says in an interview, “We spend so much time pushing our mortality away, and we similarly spend so much time pushing the truth about climate change away. And I think if we can deal with one, we can deal with the other.”
Credit: Hulu
One of the youngest and loudest voices of the climate movement, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg began her activism in 2018 when she began the School Strike for Climate. I Am Greta documents her decision to stop attending school and sit outside of Sweden’sSweden’s parliament to show politicians that if they don't care about her future, why should she?
12. Honeyland (2019)
Credit: YouTube
Honeyland tells the story of Hatidže Muratova, a beekeeper who lives in a remote town in North Macedonia and utilizes ancient beekeeping traditions to cultivate honey in the mountains. When a neighboring family tries to do the same, it becomes a source of tension as they disregard her wisdom and advice.
13. Tomorrow (2015)
Credit: IMDb
Tomorrow is a 2015 French documentary film directed by Cyril Dion and Mélanie Laurent. The film follows the filmmakers as they travel worldwide to investigate concrete solutions to environmental and social challenges through an optimistic lens.
Credit: Netflix
Directed by Huw Cordey and narrated by Stephen Fry, Dancing with the Birds is a 2019 documentary that revolves around exotic birds engaging inengaging in mating rituals, such as dancing or creating bowers with the right decorations. Maybe you can pick up a move or two for your next Hinge date.
Credit: TVNZ
Arctic Tale provides a unique look at the impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem. Through the story of two animals, a polar bear and a walrus, the film highlights the effects of melting ice and changing weather patterns on their survival. Arctic Tale also explores the relationship between humans and the Arctic and the impact of human activities on the delicate balance of the region.
What are your fave sustainability documentaries?